Future Decision Unknown?

A few months ago, public protests persuaded the San Diego City Council not to close the Ocean Beach library due to budget shortfalls. Prior to this successful outcry, library users were told they would have to travel two miles to the Point Loma Branch -- the nearest public library. The decision to close the Ocean Beach library will be reviewed by city council later this year.

So it was surprising to receive a City Development Services Department "Notice of Future Decision" for a Coastal Development Permit for a "9478 square-foot addition and renovation to the existing 4,572 square-foot existing Ocean Beach Library."

The applicant listed on the notice is local architect Scott Magic. An associate of Mr. Magic informed me that the design for the building is in its very early stages and believes that any construction would be at least two years off. Neither he nor the city's project manager, Vena Lewis, yet know whether the library would be closed during the renovation.

The City purchased an adjacent two-story office building years ago for an eventual library expansion. The City leases it to the former owners. There are no funds available to begin the new construction.